The Truman State University women’s soccer team is confident going into this weekend despite not winning last weekend. The Bulldogs lost to Maryville University 0-1 and tied University of Missouri-St. Louis 0-0.
Head coach Mike Cannon is pleased with the direction the team is going even though the last two games did not go the Bulldogs’ way. The Bulldogs have only allowed two goals during the past six games — with four games ending in shutouts — winning four straight games in that period. Cannon said the team’s success stems from the experience the freshmen players obtained this season.
Scores Last Six Games
- Bulldogs W 1-0 vs William Jewell College
- Bulldogs W 4-0 vs Rockhurst University
- Bulldogs W 3-0 at Drury University
- Bulldogs W 2-1 at Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Bulldogs L 0-1 vs Maryville University
- Bulldogs T 0-0 vs University of Missouri-St. Louis (2 OT)
“[We] gained valuable experience for our freshmen wing backs along with our back four [defenders] getting used to playing with each other game after game now,” Cannon said. “Stepping into a big role as a freshman can be a tough thing to do, but there is no better way to learn than to be thrown into it.”
Cannon said more women have played this season than in the past. After not winning in the first four games, Cannon said he wanted to see what the bench players could contribute. All seven freshmen have played at least 90 minutes for the whole season.
Cannon said freshmen like defenders Leah Bolskar, Camryn Sprague and midfielder Allie Cook have stepped into big roles early in their careers, replacing five seniors who scored a combined seven goals last season. He said stepping in for an experienced veteran is any tough situation for a young player, but the team has performed well.
“As a freshman, getting this much experience has been huge,” Bolskar said. “I am continuing to learn and hope to keep making a positive impact for my team.”
Redshirt junior defender Laura Ney said team chemistry is a crucial element they needed to be successful. She said the Bulldogs’ team chemistry has been growing this season, allowing the team to make strides toward success.
“We have really been focusing on working together as a team … the defense has finally settled in and has really started to click,” Ney said.
The Bulldogs will travel to Lebanon, Illinois and then Evansville, Indiana, to play two opponents this weekend — McKendree University Friday Oct. 6 and the University of Southern Indiana Sunday Oct. 8.